Fly American from Missoula to New York

If you're reading this, you are most likely intending to traverse the great expansive American skies from Missoula, Montana, to the bustling city of New York. Flying with American Airlines, the symbolism of your voyage is as delicate as a bald eagle carrying the American flag across a cornfield... at least, only if the bald eagle had to limit its baggage to the airline's specified 'baggage allowance.'

When it comes to planning your flight, or in this case, your heroic eagle flight simulation, the devil is, as they say, in the details. Now, let's ponder over these details analytically because when it comes to American Airlines, an analytical approach beats a hopeful prayer every time. Let's break down the topic critically, just like your mother breaks down your life choices at Thanksgiving dinner.

We need to discuss those pesky connecting flights versus direct flights, for instance. Non-stop, they are not - like your aunt's desire to discuss her cat's remarkable ability to predict the weather. A direct flight may indeed seem ideal - after all, why would you want to spend more of your valuable time in an airline seat than is absolutely necessary? But don't dismiss the potential of connecting flights and the multi-faceted journey they offer. Connecting flights are the tequila shots of the aviation world – admittedly unnecessary, yet they often make the journey a lot more memorable! Plus, who doesn't love a good layover in Denver?

So, which should you choose? One-way or round-trip? Round-trip offers the comfort of knowing you have a way back to Missoula, just in case the New York pigeons prove too menacing, or if the hot dog stands on every corner don't quite live up to your gastronomical expectations. One-way, however, offers the thrill of the unknown, the lure of adventure! May we suggest incorporating eeny, meeny, miny, moe into your decision-making process? That's usually how airlines seem to decide their flight schedules, after all.

When it comes to airfare, you see, timing is everything. The best time to book is, ironically, when you can't afford it. Fear not, dear traveler, for there's always the option of selling a kidney. Whatever you end up choosing, remember to also consider the comfort of the economy class because when it comes to American Airlines, comfort is as rare as a plane without turbulence.

Everything covered so far straddles the realm of the known. Yet, there's an aspect of your journey shrouded in mystery – the in-flight services. Will the airline's in-flight services be as unpredictable as a haiku from a fortune cookie? Or perhaps as satisfying as a microwave meal that actually looks like its picture on the box? As unpredictable as it may be, expect a safety demonstration highlighting the irony of using your seat as a flotation device when you're cruising at 36,000 feet above solid ground.

In the end, your journey from Missoula to New York will be the sum total of your airfare expenses married to the potential joy or misery of flying economy class and, very likely, a freeing yet terrifying one-way ticket. To conclude, may your flights be cheap, your layovers short, and your baggage always allowed. In the vast mosaic that is American air travel, may you always find the cheerful absurdity in the seemingly mundane. After all, the greatest travel stories are often the unintended ones – just ask Columbus!